A SECOND store from the discount chain Home Bargains is to open at Lakeside this week.

The company has invested approximately £1million into its new store, 'Thurrock 2', located at Lakeside Retail Park, Thurrock, which will be officially opened at 8am on Friday (29 March).

As well as creating 84 new jobs, the store opening will see the compnay make a donation of £2,000 to a local charity, MCA Trust, who support children and families, in the local area, that are impacted with cancer.

Home Bargain''s first Thurrock store is not too far away, on the adjacent Junction Shopping Park.

The new 'Thurrock 2' store will complement the existing Thurrock store and more than 600 outlets across the UK.

Jarred Reed, the new Thurrock 2 store manager, has been with Home Bargains for 10 years, starting in Southend as a team member on an eight hour contract and progressed throughout his career to store manager.

He says: "As the second location in this vibrant community, we've created over 80 job opportunities, igniting pride and progress among our fellow residents. This store goes beyond mere bricks and shelves; it symbolises a place where dreams can flourish."

Keith Isaacs, at The MCA Trust "This is an amazing gesture; this donation will be used to support children and families, in the local area, that are impacted with cancer, working in conjunction with the local Hospitals and Great Ormond Street Hospital London

"The MCA Trust Children's Charity, provides not only respite care, but works with five local hospitals by helping make the child's hospital experience much more comfortable whilst undergoing treatment

"In addition, we fund qualified teachers to visit the family home on a one to one basis, whilst the child is either in treatment or post treatment to help their return to school that much more seamless

"This is one of the biggest concerns we hear when talking to children parents that have beaten this condition, is the loss of schooling.

"The MCA Trust believe that a child that has had cancer should not have the rest of their lives blighted by having beaten it."

The new 24,789 sq. ft store, will offer shoppers a range of products, including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks, as well as fresh and frozen food. It will also be home to a Home Bargains bakery.

Mr Reed added: "Our second Thurrock location be a great store for us, and we're proud to be able to offer local people top-branded goods at exceptionally low prices."

For more information on the ranges available, visit www.homebargains.co.uk.

Thurrock 2 Store Address: Unit A2c, Lakeside Retail Park, Thurrock, Essex, RM20 1WN